Methods and Electronic Devices Enabling a Dual Content Presentation Mode of Operation

ABSTRACT

A method in an electronic device comprises detecting, with one or more sensors, a geometry or geometric form factor defined by an amount a first device housing or first device housing portion of the electronic device is pivoted about a hinge or deformable portion relative to a second device housing or second device housing portion of the electronic device, as well as also detecting, with one or more other sensors, multiple persons within an environment of the electronic device. One or more processors then enable, in response to detecting the geometric form factor and the multiple persons within the environment, a dual content presentation mode of operation allowing presentation of first content on a first display of the electronic device and second content on a second display where the first content and the second content are different.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and moreparticularly to electronic devices having user interfaces operable topresent content.

Background Art

The feature sets included with modern portable electronic devices, suchas smartphones, tablet computers, smart watches, and other devices, areincreasingly becoming richer and more sophisticated. Illustrating byexample, while mobile phones were once equipped with simplistic backlitdisplays having only large grey scale pixels, modern smartphonesfrequently include high definition organic light emitting diode displayswith incredibly small pixels and extremely high contrast ratios capableof presenting high dynamic range images and videos. Many consumers todayeschew television sets, instead consuming entire television shows, andeven feature length movies, using only a smartphone.

In some situations, only one device will be available despite the factthat multiple users each want to use the device to consume content. Itwould be advantageous to have improved electronic devices andcorresponding systems and methods enabling such users to satisfy theircontent consumption desire in such situations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages allin accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates one explanatory electronic device configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one explanatory electronicdevice in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure in aclosed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation view of one explanatory electronicdevice in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure in apartially open position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of one explanatory electronicdevice in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure inan axially displaced open position.

FIG. 5 illustrates one explanatory electronic device operating in a dualcontent presentation mode of operation in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates one explanatory electronic device operating in a dualcontent presentation mode of operation when in an axially displaced openposition and docked in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates one explanatory electronic device operating in akickstand content presentation mode of operation in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates one explanatory electronic device operating in astandby mode of operation in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates one explanatory electronic device operating in a dualcontent presentation mode of operation in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates another explanatory electronic device operating in adual content presentation mode of operation in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates yet another explanatory electronic device operatingin a dual content presentation mode of operation in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates one explanatory method in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates one or more method steps in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates one or more method steps in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates one explanatory method in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates another explanatory electronic device in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a user transitioning a geometric form factor of anelectronic device by manipulating the device housing in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates one explanatory electronic device operating in adual content presentation mode of operation in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates another explanatory electronic device operating in adual content presentation mode of operation in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates still another explanatory electronic deviceoperating in a dual content presentation mode of operation in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates various other embodiments of the disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with thepresent disclosure, it should be observed that the embodiments resideprimarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus componentsrelated to enabling, in response to detecting a geometric form factor ofan electronic device, a dual content presentation mode of operationallowing a single electronic device to present two different contentofferings to two different users. Any process descriptions or blocks inflow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, orportions of code that include one or more executable instructions forimplementing specific logical functions or steps in the process.

Alternate implementations are included, and it will be clear thatfunctions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed,including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending onthe functionality involved. Accordingly, the apparatus components andmethod steps have been represented where appropriate by conventionalsymbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that arepertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure soas not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thedescription herein.

Embodiments of the disclosure do not recite the implementation of anycommonplace business method aimed at processing business information,nor do they apply a known business process to the particulartechnological environment of the Internet. Moreover, embodiments of thedisclosure do not create or alter contractual relations using genericcomputer functions and conventional network operations. Quite to thecontrary, embodiments of the disclosure employ methods that, whenapplied to electronic device and/or user interface technology, improvethe functioning of the electronic device itself by and improving theoverall user experience to overcome problems specifically arising in therealm of the technology associated with electronic device userinteraction.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosure describedherein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors andunique stored program instructions that control the one or moreprocessors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processorcircuits, some, most, or all of the functions of enabling dual contentpresentation modes of operation as described herein. The non-processorcircuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radiotransmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, anduser input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as stepsof a method to perform enablement of the dual content presentation modeof operation. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implementedby a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one ormore application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which eachfunction or some combinations of certain of the functions areimplemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the twoapproaches could be used. Thus, methods and means for these functionshave been described herein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinaryskill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many designchoices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology,and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principlesdisclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such softwareinstructions and programs and ASICs with minimal experimentation.

Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring tothe drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Asused in the description herein and throughout the claims, the followingterms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relationalterms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or actionwithout necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationshipor order between such entities or actions.

As used herein, components may be “operatively coupled” when informationcan be sent between such components, even though there may be one ormore intermediate or intervening components between, or along theconnection path. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”,“approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined asbeing close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and inone non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within tenpercent, in another embodiment within five percent, in anotherembodiment within one percent and in another embodiment within one-halfpercent. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected,although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically.Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicatecomponents shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. Forexample, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A wouldrefer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device that isgeometrically deformable. In one or more embodiments, the electronicdevice includes a first device housing that is pivotable about a hingerelative to a second device housing between a closed position and anaxially displaced open position. In one or more embodiments, the hingeis configured as a “friction hinge” that allows a user to pivot thefirst device housing relative to the second device housing to anyposition between the closed position and the axially displaced openposition with that device geometry being retained by a frictionalelement situated in the hinge. In other embodiments, the electronicdevice will include a deformable housing allowing a user to move a firstdevice housing portion relative to a second device housing portion tovarious positions between the closed position and the axially displacedopen position.

In some embodiments, this ability to deform the electronic device andmanipulate it between the closed position and the axially displaced openposition allows for the inclusion of a second display, which issometimes known as a “quick view display” or “qvd” due to the fact thatit is always exposed regardless of whether the electronic device is inthe axially displaced open position or the closed position. By contrast,in some embodiments the primary display is concealed when the electronicdevice is in the closed position and revealed as the electronic devicetransitions from the closed position to the axially displaced openposition.

Inclusion of the second display allows users of the electronic device toget information at a quick glance when the electronic device is in theclosed position without having to transition the electronic device fromthe closed position to the axially displaced open position. Anotheradvantage offered by this provision of the second display is that in oneor more embodiments it provides a substantial amount of area upon whichto present content such as images or videos.

When an electronic device is equipped with the second display and thefriction hinge, the electronic device can be positioned into differentgeometric form factors that most easily allow for content consumption.Illustrating by example, a user may pivot the first device housing aboutthe hinge relative to the second device housing to a geometric formfactor in which the first device housing is oriented substantiallyorthogonally relative to the second device housing. This “half open”geometric form factor allows a first user to see the primary display,while a second user can see the second display.

In addition to allowing multiple users to see multiple displays, theuser may have many different motivations for transitioning theelectronic device into a predefined geometric form factor. For instance,the user may want a particular geometric form factor such that thedisplay “sits up” for a particular situation. If, for example, theperson is reading a recipe being presented on the primary display, theymay not want the electronic device to be in the axially displaced openposition as the viewing angle would not be optimal. By placing theelectronic device in the half open position, the recipe may be moreeasily seen.

Similarly, a user may want to transition the electronic device to ageometric form factor so that the electronic device can perform aspecific function. If, for example, the user wants an exterior imager totake a group photograph, they may want to device housing portioncarrying the imager to be positioned upward relative to a supportsurface so that the group is within the field of view of the imager.

In still other embodiments, a user may want to transition the electronicdevice to an easily viewable position for passive interaction with theelectronic device. Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that theelectronic device may use the second display to present a clock or otherpassive content presentation when in a standby mode. A user maytransition the device to a geometric form factor allowing the clock faceto be quickly seen from a bed, for instance.

In some situations, only one device will be available despite the factthat multiple users each want to use the device to consume content.Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that these multiple users maywish to bond with each other by interacting in a joint experience.However, they may want to consume different content offerings. A parentmay prefer to learn a new skill by watching a woodworking tutorial whilea child may want to catch up on the latest sitcom, for instance.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a solution to this issue byenabling, in response to detecting a particular geometric form factor, adual content presentation mode of operation allowing presentation of afirst content offering on a first display of an electronic device and asecond content offering on a second display, where that first contentoffering and the second content offering are different. If theelectronic device has only one display that is flexible, embodiments ofthe disclosure allow for the presentation of first content on a firstdisplay portion of the flexible display situated to one side of adeformable portion of a device housing and second content on a seconddisplay portion of the flexible display situated to another side of thedeformable portion, where the first content and the second content aredifferent.

Illustrating by example, in one embodiment a first user may want toconsume only visual content on the primary display of an electronicdevice while a second user also wants to consume only visual content onthe second display. Examples of such visual content include email,messages, pictures, social media feeds, and webpages. In othersituations, the first user may want to consume only visual content onthe primary display, while the second user wants to consume audio-visualcontent on the second display. Examples of audio-visual content includevideos (either streaming or recorded), social network videos, webpagevideos, movies, and television shows. In still other situations, bothusers will want to consume audio-visual content.

Embodiments of the disclosure allow for the presentation of therequested content for each of these situations by enabling the dualcontent presentation mode of operation where first content is presentedon a first display or a first display portion while second content ispresented on a second display or second display portion. Where the firstcontent and the second content is only visual content, they are simplypresented due to the fact that there is no audio associated with thevisual content. Where the first content is only visual content and thesecond content is audio visual content, or vice versa, the audioassociated with the audio-visual content can simply be delivered to theenvironment (since one user has no need to hear video) or to a specificaudio channel such as an ear bud or headphones to avoid irritating theuser consuming the visual only content. Where the first content andsecond content are both audio-visual content offerings, the audio can berouted to either the environment and an alternate audio channel, e.g.,an ear bud or headphones, or to two different audio channels, e.g., twosets of headphones or two sets of ear buds.

Embodiments of the disclosure also contemplate that an electronic devicecan be coupled to a docking station that may support the electronicdevice in a particular orientation. Illustrating by example, in one ormore embodiments the electronic device can be coupled to a dockingstation while in the axially displaced open position such that theelectronic device stands straight up in the air. This upwardly supportedposition allows a person situated to one side of the electronic deviceto see one of the displays, while another person situated to the otherside of the electronic device can see the other display. In one or moreembodiments, when this situation occurs, one or more processors of theelectronic device can enable, in response to detecting multiple personswithin the environment of the electronic device while the electronicdevice is in the axially displaced open position and is coupled to thedocking station, a dual content presentation mode of operation allowingpresentation of first content on a first display of the electronicdevice and second content on a second display where the first contentand the second content are different.

In one or more embodiments when the electronic device comprises a hingeand second display, a method in an electronic device includes detecting,with one or more sensors, a geometric form factor defined by an amount afirst device housing of the electronic device is pivoted about a hingerelative to a second device housing of the electronic device. The methodincludes also detecting, with one or more other sensors, multiplepersons within an environment of the electronic device. In one or moreembodiments, the method includes enabling, with one or more processorsin response to detecting the geometric form factor and the multiplepersons within the environment, a dual content presentation mode ofoperation allowing presentation of first content on a first display ofthe electronic device and second content on a second display where thefirst content and the second content are different.

In one or more embodiments when the electronic device includes only asingle flexible display, and either a hinge or a deformable devicehousing, a method comprises detecting, with one or more sensors, ageometry of the deformable electronic device. In one or moreembodiments, the geometry is defined by an obtuse angle defined betweena first device housing portion of the deformable electronic devicerelative to a second device housing portion of the deformable electronicdevice. The method includes also detecting, with one or more othersensors, multiple persons within an environment of the deformableelectronic device, and enabling, with one or more processors in responseto detecting the geometry and the multiple persons within theenvironment, a dual content presentation mode of operation allowingpresentation of first content on a first display portion of the flexibledisplay situated to one side of the deformable portion and secondcontent on a second display portion of the flexible display situated toanother side of the deformable portion, where the first content and thesecond content are different.

Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is one explanatory electronicdevice 100 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. The electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 is a portable electronicdevice. For illustrative purposes, the electronic device 100 is shown asa smartphone. However, the electronic device 100 could be any number ofother devices as well, including tablet computers, gaming devices,multimedia players, and so forth. Still other types of electronicdevices can be configured in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure as will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The electronic device 100 includes a first device housing 102 and asecond device housing 103. In one or more embodiments, a hinge 101couples the first device housing 102 to the second device housing 103.In one or more embodiments, the first device housing 102 is selectivelypivotable about the hinge 101 relative to the second device housing 103.For example, in one or more embodiments the first device housing 102 isselectively pivotable about the hinge 101 between a closed position,shown and described below with reference to FIG. 2, a partially openposition, shown and described below with reference to FIG. 3, and anopen position, shown and described below with reference to FIG. 4.

In one or more embodiments the first device housing 102 and the seconddevice housing 103 are manufactured from a rigid material such as arigid thermoplastic, metal, or composite material, although othermaterials can be used. Still other constructs will be obvious to thoseof ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Inthe illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the electronic device 100includes a single hinge 101. However, in other embodiments two or morehinges can be incorporated into the electronic device 100 to allow it tobe folded in multiple locations.

While the illustrative electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 includes a hinge101, embodiments of the disclosure are not so limited. In otherembodiments, as will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15-19,electronic devices configured in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure will not include a hinge 101. Illustrating by example, theelectronic device 100 may include a flexible device housing, or thefirst device housing and second device housing can each compriseflexible device housings. A single device housing, for instance, can bemanufactured from bendable materials. In still other embodiments, theelectronic device 100 can be bendable via a combination of hingecomponents and non-hinge components.

Accordingly, in another embodiment the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1includes a single housing. In one or more embodiments, that housing isflexible. In one embodiment, the housing may be manufactured from amalleable, bendable, or physically deformable material such as aflexible thermoplastic, flexible composite material, flexible fibermaterial, flexible metal, organic or inorganic textile or polymermaterial, or other materials. The housing could be formed from a singleflexible housing member or from multiple flexible housing members.

In other embodiments, the housing could be a composite of multiplecomponents. For instance, in another embodiment the housing could be acombination of rigid segments connected by hinges or flexible materials.Still other constructs will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

The illustrative electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 includes multipledisplays. A first display 105, also referred to as the interior displayor the rear-facing display, is concealed when the first device housing102 is pivoted about the hinge 101 relative to the second device housing103 to a closed position. For example, the first display 105 isconcealed in FIG. 2 below. This first display 105 is then revealed whenthe first device housing 102 is pivoted about the hinge 101 relative tothe second device housing 103 from the closed position to an axiallydisplaced open position. Thus, the first display 105 is revealed as theelectronic device 100 transitions from the closed position of FIG. 2 tothe open position of FIG. 4.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic device 100 also includes atleast a second display 120. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1,the second display 120 can be referred to as an exterior display, quickview display, or front-facing display, as the second display 120 isexposed both when the first device housing 102 and the second devicehousing 103 are pivoted about the hinge 101 to the closed position, theaxially displaced open position, or any position therebetween. Thus, thesecond display 120 is exposed both in the axially displaced openposition of FIG. 1 and the closed position of FIG. 2. In one or moreembodiments, each of the first display 105 and the second display 120 isa high-resolution display.

While shown coupled to the first device housing 102, it should be notedthat the second display 120 could be coupled to either of the firstdevice housing 102 or the second device housing 103. In otherembodiments, the second display 120 can be coupled to the first devicehousing 102, while a third display (not shown) is coupled to the seconddevice housing 103. Thus, electronic devices configured in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure can include displays situated atdifferent positions.

As with the second display 120, the first display 105 can also becoupled to either or both of the first device housing 102 or the seconddevice housing 103. In this illustrative embodiment, the first display105 is coupled to both the first device housing 102 and the seconddevice housing 103 and spans the hinge 101. In other embodiments, the“first” display can be two displays, with one coupled to the firstdevice housing 102 and another coupled to the second device housing 103.In either case, this first display 105 is considered to be an “interior”display because it is concealed when the first device housing 102 andthe second device housing 103 are in the closed position.

In one or more embodiments, either or both of first display 105 orsecond display 120 can be touch-sensitive. Where this is the case, userscan deliver user input to one or both of the first display 105 or thesecond display 120 by delivering touch input from a finger, stylus, orother objects disposed proximately with the first display 105 or thesecond display 120.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, since the first display 105spans the hinge 101, it is configured to be flexible. For instance, inone embodiment the first display 105 is configured as an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display fabricated on a flexible plasticsubstrate. This allows the first display 105 to be flexible so as todeform when the first device housing 102 pivots about the hinge 101relative to the second device housing 103. However, it should be notedthat other types of displays would be obvious to those of ordinary skillin the art having the benefit of this disclosure. As will be describedbelow with reference to FIG. 6, in other embodiments conventional, rigiddisplays can be disposed to either side of the hinge rather than using aflexible display.

In one or more embodiments, the first display 105 is configured as anOLED constructed on flexible plastic substrates to allow the firstdisplay 105 to bend in accordance with various bending radii. Forexample, some embodiments allow bending radii of between thirty and sixhundred millimeters to provide a bendable display. Other substratesallow bending radii of around five millimeters to provide a display thatis foldable through active bending. Other displays can be configured toaccommodate both bends and folds. In one or more embodiments the firstdisplay 105 may be formed from multiple layers of flexible material suchas flexible sheets of polymer or other materials.

In this illustrative embodiment, the first display 105 is coupled to thefirst device housing 102 and the second device housing 103. Accordingly,the first display 105 spans the hinge 101 in this embodiment. In one ormore embodiments, the first display 105 can instead be coupled to one,or two, spring-loaded, slidable trays that situate within one or both ofthe first device housing 102 and the second device housing 103. The useof one or two slidable trays advantageously allows the first display 105to be placed in tension when the electronic device 100 is in the openposition. This causes the first display 105 to be flat, rather than wavydue to mechanical memory effects, when the electronic device 100 is inthe open position.

Features can be incorporated into the first device housing 102 and/orthe second device housing 103. Examples of such features include imager106, which in this embodiment is an exterior or front facing imager. Theimager 106, which can be any number of types of image capture devices,has its lens situated such that it is directed away from a user who isholding the electronic device 100 and facing the first display 105. Thisallows the imager 106 to receive light directed toward the electronicdevice 100 from a location in front of the user when the user is holdingthe electronic device 100 and facing the first display 105.

Instead of, or alternatively in addition to, the imager 106, a second,rear facing imager 121 can be positioned on the interior side of theelectronic device 100 to receive light and images directed toward thefirst display 105. When a user is holding the electronic device 100 andlooking at the first display, this second, rear facing imager 121 can beused to take a selfie without turning the electronic device 100 around.While two imagers are shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, itshould be noted that embodiments of the disclosure can includeadditional imagers mounted in different positions that can be actuatedto capture images from different angles.

Other examples of features that can be incorporated into the firstdevice housing 102 and/or the second device housing 103 include anoptional speaker port 107. While shown situated on the exterior of theelectronic device 100 in FIG. 1, the optional speaker port 107 couldalso be placed on the interior side as well. In this illustrativeembodiment, a user interface component 124, which may be a button ortouch sensitive surface, can also be disposed along the exterior side ofthe second device housing 103. As noted, any of these features shownbeing disposed on the exterior side of the electronic device 100 couldbe located elsewhere, such as on the interior side or minor sides inother embodiments.

A block diagram schematic of the electronic device 100 is also shown inFIG. 1. In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes one ormore processors 112. In one embodiment, the one or more processors 112can include an application processor and, optionally, one or moreauxiliary processors. One or both of the application processor or theauxiliary processor(s) can include one or more processors. One or bothof the application processor or the auxiliary processor(s) can be amicroprocessor, a group of processing components, one or more ASICs,programmable logic, or other type of processing device.

The application processor and the auxiliary processor(s) can be operablewith the various components of the electronic device 100. Each of theapplication processor and the auxiliary processor(s) can be configuredto process and execute executable software code to perform the variousfunctions of the electronic device 100. A storage device, such as memory113, can optionally store the executable software code used by the oneor more processors 112 during operation.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic device 100 also includes apresence detector 111 operable to detect whether one or more persons arewithin an environment 108 of the electronic device 100. Illustrating byexample, in one or more embodiments the presence detector 111 can detectactuation of the imager 106 and/or second imager 121 and/or imagecapture operations. The presence detector 111 can also include a facialrecognition module that analyzes images captured by the imager 106and/or second imager 121 to identify facial characteristics present inimages captured by the imager 106 and/or second imager 121. In one ormore embodiments, in response to the presence detector 111 identifyingthese or other image capture operations, the one or more processors candetermine whether one or more persons are situated within theenvironment 108 of the electronic device 100, as well as where these oneor more processors are located relative to the electronic device 100.

In this illustrative embodiment, the electronic device 100 also includesa communication circuit 114 that can be configured for wired or wirelesscommunication with one or more other devices or networks. The networkscan include a wide area network, a local area network, and/or personalarea network. The communication circuit 114 may also utilize wirelesstechnology for communication, such as, but are not limited to,peer-to-peer or ad hoc communications, and other forms of wirelesscommunication such as infrared technology. The communication circuit 114can include wireless communication circuitry, one of a receiver, atransmitter, or transceiver, and one or more antennas 115.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 112 can be responsible forperforming the primary functions of the electronic device 100. Forexample, in one embodiment the one or more processors 112 comprise oneor more circuits operable with one or more user interface devices, whichcan include the display 105, to present content offerings includingimages, video, or other presentation information to a user. Theexecutable software code used by the one or more processors 112 can beconfigured as one or more modules 116 that are operable with the one ormore processors 112. Such modules 116 can store instructions, controlalgorithms, logic steps, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 112 are responsible forrunning the operating system environment of the electronic device 100.The operating system environment can include a kernel and one or moredrivers, and an application service layer, and an application layer. Theoperating system environment can be configured as executable codeoperating on one or more processors or control circuits of theelectronic device 100. The application layer can be responsible forexecuting application service modules. The applications of theapplication layer can be configured as clients of the applicationservice layer to communicate with services through application programinterfaces (APIs), messages, events, or other inter-processcommunication interfaces. Where auxiliary processors are used, they canbe used to execute input/output functions, actuate user feedbackdevices, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes one or moregeometry sensors 117, operable with the one or more processors 112, todetect a particular geometry, geometric form factor, or deformationstate of the electronic device 100. Illustrating by example, in one ormore embodiments the one or more geometry sensors 117 can detect abending operation that causes the first device housing 102 to pivotabout the hinge 101 relative to the second device housing 103, therebytransforming the electronic device 100 into a deformed geometry, such asthat shown in FIGS. 2-3. The inclusion of the one or more geometrysensors 117 is optional, and in some embodiment geometry sensors 117will not be included.

In one embodiment, the geometry sensors 117 comprise passive resistivedevices manufactured from a material with an impedance that changes whenthe material is bent, deformed, or flexed. By detecting changes in theimpedance as a function of resistance, the one or more processors 112can use the one or more geometry sensors 117 to detect bending of thefirst device housing 102 about the hinge 101 relative to the seconddevice housing 103. In one or more embodiments, each geometry sensor 117comprises a bi-directional flex sensor that can detect flexing orbending in two directions. In one embodiment, the one or more geometrysensors 117 have an impedance that increases in an amount that isproportional with the amount it is deformed or bent. Other types ofgeometry sensors 117 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 112 may generate commandsor execute control operations based on information received from thevarious sensors, including the one or more geometry sensors 117, thepresence detector 111, or other sensors 119. Illustrating by example, inone or more embodiments the one or more processors 112 enable a dualcontent presentation mode of operation in response to the one or moregeometry sensors 117 detecting a predefined geometric form factor of theelectronic device 100 and the presence detector 111 detecting multiplepersons within the environment 108 of the electronic device 100. In oneor more embodiments, the dual content presentation mode of operationallows for the presentation of a first content offering on display 105and a second content offering on display 120. In one or moreembodiments, the first content offering and the second content offeringare different.

The one or more processors 112 may also generate commands or executecontrol operations based upon information received from a combination ofthe one or more geometry sensors 117, the presence detector 111, or theother sensors 119. Alternatively, the one or more processors 112 cangenerate commands or execute control operations based upon informationreceived from the one or more geometry sensors 117 or the presencedetector 111 alone. Moreover, the one or more processors 112 may processthe received information alone or in combination with other data, suchas the information stored in the memory 113.

The one or more other sensors 119 may include a microphone, an earpiecespeaker, a second loudspeaker (disposed beneath speaker port 107), and auser interface component such as a button or touch-sensitive surface.The one or more other sensors 119 may also include key selectionsensors, proximity sensors, a touch pad sensor, a touch screen sensor, acapacitive touch sensor, a light sensor, and one or more switches. Touchsensors may used to indicate whether any of the user actuation targetspresent on the display 105 or display 120 are being actuated.Alternatively, touch sensors disposed in the electronic device 100 canbe used to determine whether the electronic device 100 is being touchedat side edges or major faces of the first device housing 102 or thesecond device housing 103. The touch sensors can include surface and/orhousing capacitive sensors in one embodiment. The other sensors 119 canalso include audio sensors and video sensors (such as a camera).

The other sensors 119 can also include motion detectors, such as one ormore accelerometers or gyroscopes. For example, an accelerometer may beembedded in the electronic circuitry of the electronic device 100 toshow vertical orientation, constant tilt and/or whether the electronicdevice 100 is stationary. A gyroscope can be used in a similar fashion.

Other components 125 operable with the one or more processors 112 caninclude output components such as video outputs, audio outputs, and/ormechanical outputs. Examples of output components include audio outputssuch as speaker port 107, earpiece speaker, or other alarms and/orbuzzers and/or a mechanical output component such as vibrating ormotion-based mechanisms. Still other components will be obvious to thoseof ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

It is to be understood that FIG. 1 is provided for illustrative purposesonly and for illustrating components of one electronic device 100 inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure, and is not intended to bea complete schematic diagram of the various components required for anelectronic device. Therefore, other electronic devices in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure may include various other componentsnot shown in FIG. 1, or may include a combination of two or morecomponents or a division of a particular component into two or moreseparate components, and still be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is the electronic device 100in a closed state. In this state, the first device housing 102 has beenpivoted about the hinge 101 toward the second device housing 103 to aclosed position 200. When in the closed position 200, a front surface202 of the first device housing 102 abuts a front surface 203 of thesecond device housing 103. Additionally, in this illustrativeembodiment, a hinge housing 201 comprising the hinge 101 is revealedwhen the electronic device 100 is in the closed position 200. In otherembodiments, the hinge housing 201 will remain concealed when the firstdevice housing 102 pivots about the hinge 101 relative to the seconddevice housing 103 to the closed position 200. Effectively, in eitherembodiment, the first device housing 102 and the second device housing103 are analogous to clam shells that have been shut by the clam,thereby giving rise to the “clamshell” style of device. When theclamshell opens, the flexible display (105) is revealed.

In some embodiments, features can be included to further retain theelectronic device 100 in the closed position 200. Illustrating byexample, in another embodiment, a mechanical latch can be included toretain the first device housing 102 and the second device housing 103 inthe closed position 200.

In still another embodiment, magnets can be incorporated into the frontsurface 202 of the first device housing 102 and the front surface 203 ofthe second device housing 103. For instance, magnets can be placed inthe first device housing 102 and the second device housing 103 to retainthe first device housing 102 and the second device housing 103 in theclosed position 200.

In still other embodiments, frictional elements can be incorporated intothe hinge 101 to retain the first device housing 102 and the seconddevice housing 103 in a particular position. A stator motor could beintegrated into the hinge 101 as well. Still other mechanical structuresand devices suitable for retaining the electronic device 100 in theclosed position 200 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure. As shown, the exteriordisplay 120 is visible and exposed when the electronic device is in theclosed position 200.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the electronic device 100 is shown in a geometricform factor defined by a deformed geometry such that the first devicehousing 102 and the second device housing 103 are between the closedposition (200) of FIG. 2 and an axially displaced open position. Wherethe hinge 101 includes frictional elements, the electronic device 100may remain in this geometric form factor until a user pivots one of thefirst device housing 102 or the second device housing 103 about thehinge 101 to another geometric form factor.

The geometric form factor of FIG. 3 is that of a partially open position300. Specifically, the first device housing 102 is pivoting about thehinge 101 away from the second device housing 103 toward an openposition. The open position 300 shown in FIG. 3 can be referred to as a“tent position.” In the side elevation view of FIG. 3, the hinge housing201 is exposed between the first device housing 102 and the seconddevice housing 103.

Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is the electronic device 100in an axially displaced open position 400. In the axially displaced openposition 400, the first device housing 102 is rotated about the hinge101 so as to be axially displaced 180-degrees out of phase with thesecond device housing 103, thereby revealing the flexible display (105).In this illustrative embodiment, this causes the hinge housing (201) tobe concealed within the first device housing 102 and second devicehousing 103.

In such a configuration, the first device housing 102 and the seconddevice housing 103 effectively define a plane. Since this illustrativeembodiment includes a flexible display 105, the flexible display 120 hasbeen elongated into a flat position.

Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is the electronic device 100of FIGS. 1-4 operating in a dual content presentation mode of operation.This allows a first person 501 and a second person 502 to use a singledevice to consume two different content offerings, e.g., two differenttelevision shows, using—and controlling—the first display (105) and thesecond display (120) dependently.

As previously explained, a first device housing 102 is coupled to asecond device housing 103 by a hinge 101 such that the first devicehousing 102 is pivotable about the hinge relative to the second devicehousing 103 between a closed position (200) and an axially displacedopen position (400). One or more geometry sensors (117) are operable todetermine a geometric form factor of the electronic device 100 definedby how far the first device housing 102 is pivoted about the hinge 101relative to the second device housing 103.

As before, a first display (105) is coupled to the first device housing102 and second device housing 103, spanning the hinge, while a seconddisplay (120) is coupled to the first device housing 102. Additionally,a presence detector (111) is operable to determine whether one or morepersons are within an environment 108 of the electronic device 100. Inthe illustrative example of FIG. 5, the presence detector (111) detectsthat both a first person 501 and a second person 502 are within theenvironment 108 of the electronic device 100. Additionally, the presencedetector (111) detects the first person 501 being positioned so as to beable to view the first display (105) and the second person 502 beingpositioned so as to be able to view the second display (120).

In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors (112) within theelectronic device 100 are operable with the one or more geometry sensors(117), the presence detector (111), the first display (105) and thesecond display (120). The one or more processors (112) enable a dualcontent presentation mode of operation allowing the presentation of afirst content offering 503 on the first display (105) and a secondcontent offering 504 on the second display (120) when the one or moregeometry sensors (117) detect a predefined geometric form factor.

In one or more embodiments, the geometric form factor enabling the dualcontent presentation mode of operation comprises the first devicehousing 102 being pivoted about the hinge 101 relative to the seconddevice housing 103 to an angle of between seventy-five and one hundredand five degrees, inclusive. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5,the geometric form factor comprises the first device housing 102 beingpivoted about the hinge 101 relative to the second device housing 103 toa substantially orthogonal angle. This allows the first person 501 toeasily see the first content offering 503 on the first display (105),while the second person 502 can easily see the second content offering504 on the second display (120). While a geometric form factor ofbetween seventy-five and one hundred and five degrees, inclusive, is onepredefined geometric form factor enabling the dual content presentationmode of operation, embodiments of the disclosure are not so limited.Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated therein is another predefinedgeometric form factor that enables the dual content presentation mode ofoperation as well.

As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic device 100 has been moved to theaxially displaced open position 400. Additionally, the electronic device100 is coupled to a docking station 600 such that the first devicehousing 102 and second device housing 103 extend upwardly from thedocking station 600 against the direction of gravity. This predefinedgeometric form factor also allows the first person 501 to easily see thefirst content offering 503 on the first display (105), while the secondperson 502 can easily see the second content offering 504 on the seconddisplay (120).

In one or more embodiments, the one or more geometry sensors (117)detects the first device housing 102 of the electronic device 100 beingpositioned in the axially displaced open position 400 relative to thesecond device housing 103 coupled to the first device housing 102 by thehinge 101. One or more other sensors (119), e.g., a gravity detector, anelectrical connector, or a mechanical sensor, detects the electronicdevice 100 being electronically coupled to the docking station 600. Thepresence detector (111) then detects multiple persons, e.g., the firstperson 501 and the second person 502), being within the environment 108of the electronic device 100 while the electronic device 100 is in theaxially displaced open position 400 and coupled to the docking station600.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors (112) of theelectronic device enable, in response to detecting the multiple personswithin the environment 108 of the electronic device 100 while theelectronic device 100 is in the axially displaced open position 400 andcoupled to the docking station 600, a dual content presentation mode ofoperation allowing presentation of the first content offering 503 on thefirst display (105) and the second content offering 504 on the seconddevice housing (103). In this illustrative offering, the first contentoffering 503 and the second content offering 504 are different.Illustrating by example, the first content offering 503 might be a videowhile the second content offering 504 is a webpage, and so forth.

In addition to the dual content presentation mode of operation,embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that other modes of operationcan be enabled by positioning the electronic device 100 in othergeometric form factors when only one person is within the environment108 of the electronic device 100. For instance, in addition to allowingmultiple users to see multiple displays, a single user may have manydifferent motivations for transitioning the electronic device into apredefined geometric form factor. Turning now to FIG. 7, illustratedtherein is one such example.

As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic device 100 has been transitioned to ageometric form factor where the first device housing 102 is pivotedabout the hinge 101 relative to the second device housing 103 such thatthe first device housing 102 and the second device housing define anobtuse angle. This geometric form factor is sometimes referred to as a“kickstand” configuration because it appears to the person 501 viewingthe display (105) coupled to the first device housing 102 and the seconddevice housing 103 and spanning the hinge as if the exterior surface ofthe first device housing 102 is being propped up by a kickstand. In theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 7, this is an optical illusion as thefrictional components of the hinge 101 retain the first device housing102 and second device housing 103 in this obtuse angled geometric formfactor.

This geometric form factor allows for the interior display, i.e.,display (105), to “sit up” for a particular situation. If, for example,the person 501 is reading notes from the display (105) while writing aterm paper on the computer 700, they may not want the electronic device100 to be in the axially displaced open position (400) while placed onthe table 701, as the viewing angle would not be optimal. By placing theelectronic device 100 in the geometric form factor of FIG. 7, the notesmay be more easily seen.

In still other embodiments, a user may want to transition the electronicdevice 100 to an easily viewable position for passive interaction withthe electronic device 100. Turning now to FIG. 8, illustrated therein isone such example Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that theelectronic device 100 may use the second display (120) to present aclock or other passive content presentation when operating in a standbymode. A person 502 may transition the electronic device 100 to ageometric form factor allowing the clock face on the second devicehousing (103) to be quickly seen. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG.8, transitioning the first device housing 102 and second device housing103 such that they define an acute angle enables this passive mode ofoperation in one or more embodiments.

Accordingly, electronic devices configured in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure can enable a dual content presentationmode of operation when a predefined geometric form factor is detectedwhen multiple persons are also detected within an environment of theelectronic device, as described above with reference to FIGS. 5-6.Additionally, electronic device configured in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure can enable other predefined modes ofoperation when a single person is within the environment of theelectronic device, as described above with reference to FIGS. 7-8. Whenonly one person is in the environment, it matters not whether thecontent offering being presented is visual only, or is insteadaudio-visual content. This is true because there is only one personwithin the environment. If the content offering being presented as afunction of the detection of the single person and the predefinedgeometric form factor is visual only, no audio is associated with thecontent offering. However, if the content offering being presented as afunction of the detection of the single person and the predefinedgeometric form factor is audio-visual content, the corresponding audiocan be delivered via an output component, e.g., a loudspeaker to theenvironment, a speaker jack to an earpiece or headphone device forplayback directly to the user's ears, or to a wireless connection to acompanion device such as loudspeakers or ear buds, without interferingwith any other person.

However, when two people are within the environment, and particularlywhere two people are consuming different content offerings beingpresented by a first display and a second display of a single device,whether the content offerings are visual only or audio-visual can make adifference to each person's enjoyment of their selected content. This istrue because delivering, for example, the audio associated with twodifferent content offerings via a single loudspeaker into theenvironment could result in neither audio stream sounding irritating or,worse, unintelligible. Advantageously, embodiments of the disclosureprovide solutions to these conflicting possibilities. Turning now toFIGS. 9-11, illustrated therein are some examples regarding how this canoccur.

Beginning with FIG. 9, and prior to discussing audio handlingprocedures, it should be noted that in addition to enabling the dualcontent presentation mode of operation, the one or more processors (112)of the electronic device 100 can enable other features as well inresponse to the one or more geometry sensors (117) detecting apredefined geometric form factor when the presence detector (111)detects multiple persons within the environment 108 of the electronicdevice 100.

Illustrating by example, in one or more embodiments the one or moreprocessors (112) also enable, in response to the one or more geometrysensors (117) detecting the predefined geometric form factor and thepresence detector (111) detecting the multiple persons within theenvironment of the electronic device 100, a dual user input control modeof operation in addition to the dual content presentation mode ofoperation. In one or more embodiments, the dual user input control modeof operation allows the first display (105) of the electronic device 100to be controlled independently of the second display (120).

Advantageously, this allows a first person 501 to manually control 901the first display (105), while a second person 502 can manually control902 the second display (120) to select and view content offerings.Effectively, the single electronic device 100 begins to function as twoindependent electronic devices, with the first display (105) serving asthe user interface for the first person 501 and the second display (120)serving as the independently controllable user interface for the secondperson 502. This feature is further enabled by the fact that the seconddisplay (120) occupies a significantly large are of the exterior surfaceof the first device housing 102.

While the dual user input control mode of operation is being enabled dueto the fact that the geometric form factor of this illustrative exampleconstitutes the first device housing 102 being oriented substantiallyorthogonally with the second device housing 103, the one or moreprocessors (112) can enable the dual user input control mode ofoperation can be enabled in other situations where the first display(105) is accessible by a first person 501 and the second display (120)is accessible by a second person 502 as well. One example was describedand illustrated above with reference to FIG. 6 when the electronicdevice 100 was pivoted to the axially displaced open position (400) andcoupled to a docking station (600). Accordingly, in one or more otherembodiments the one or more processors (112) also enable, in response todetecting the multiple persons within the environment 108 of theelectronic device 100 while the electronic device 100 is in the axiallydisplaced open position (400) and is coupled to the docking station(600), a dual user input control mode of operation allowing the firstdisplay (105) to be controlled independently of the second display(120), and vice versa.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 9, the presence detector (111)detects a first person 501 and a second person 502 being within theenvironment 108 of the electronic device 100. Additionally, the presencedetector (111) detects the first person 501 being positioned so as to beable to view the first display (105) and the second person 502 beingpositioned so as to be able to view the second display (120).

Simultaneously, the one or more geometry sensors (117) detects apredefined geometric form factor of the electronic device 100, which inthis example comprises the first device housing 102 being orientedsubstantially orthogonally with the second device housing 103. Aspreviously described, the predefined geometric form factor enabling thedual user input control mode of operation can be an angle of betweenseventy-five and one hundred and five degrees, inclusive. Otherpredefined geometric form factors for enabling features of theelectronic device will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, in response to detecting this geometric formfactor and the multiple persons within the environment 108, the one ormore processors (112) of the electronic device 100 enable the dualcontent presentation mode of operation allowing presentation of firstcontent 903 on the first display (105) of the electronic device 100 andsecond content 904 on the second device housing (103) of the electronicdevice 100. In this illustration, the first content 903 and the secondcontent 904 are different content offerings.

In addition to enabling the dual content presentation mode of operation,here the one or more processors (112) of the electronic device 100 havealso, in response to detecting the geometric form factor and themultiple persons within the environment 108, enabled the dual user inputcontrol mode of operation allowing the first display (105) to becontrolled 901 independently of the second device housing (103). Asshown in FIG. 9, the first person 501 delivers touch input to the firstdisplay (105) to control 901 the first display (105), such as to selectthe first content 903). Similarly, the second person 502 delivers touchinput to the second device housing (103) to control 902 the seconddevice housing (103). Thus, the first display (105) can be controlledindependently of the second device housing (103) when the dual userinput control mode of operation is enabled.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 9, the first content 903 and thesecond content 904 comprise only visual content. Examples of such visualcontent include the presentation of email correspondence, thepresentation of text messages, the presentation of pictures, thepresentation of social media feeds, and the presentation of webpages.Other forms of visual only content will be obvious to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. When the firstcontent 903 and the second content 904 are only visual content, there isno audio associated with the first content 903 or the second content904. The environment 108 is quiet due to the fact that both the firstperson 501 and the second person 502 desire to consume only visualcontent using the first display (105) and the second display (120),respectively and independently. Since there is no audio associated withthe first content 903 or the second content 904, each person can consumetheir respective content silently without disrupting the other person'sconsumption of their other, different content.

In other situations, however, the second person 502 may want to consumeonly visual content on the second display (120), while the first person501 wants to consume audio-visual content on the first display (105).Turning now to FIG. 10, illustrated therein is such a situation.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 10, the presence detector (111)detects a first person 501 and a second person 502 being within theenvironment 108 of the electronic device 100. Additionally, the presencedetector (111) detects the first person 501 being positioned so as to beable to view the first display (105) and the second person 502 beingpositioned so as to be able to view the second display (120).

Simultaneously, the one or more geometry sensors (117) detects apredefined geometric form factor of the electronic device 100, which inthis example comprises the first device housing 102 being orientedsubstantially orthogonally with the second device housing 103. Aspreviously described, the predefined geometric form factor enabling thedual user input control mode of operation can be an angle of betweenseventy-five and one hundred and five degrees, inclusive. Otherpredefined geometric form factors for enabling features of theelectronic device will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, in response to detecting this geometric formfactor and the multiple persons within the environment 108, the one ormore processors (112) of the electronic device 100 enable the dualcontent presentation mode of operation allowing presentation of firstcontent 1003 on the first display (105) of the electronic device 100 andsecond content 1004 on the second device housing (103) of the electronicdevice 100. In this illustration, the first content 1003 and the secondcontent 1004 are different content offerings. In addition to enablingthe dual content presentation mode of operation, here the one or moreprocessors (112) of the electronic device 100 also, in response todetecting the geometric form factor and the multiple persons within theenvironment 108, enabled the dual user input control mode of operationallowing the first display (105) to be controlled independently of thesecond display (120).

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 10, the first content 1003 isaudio-visual content. Examples of audio-visual content include videoswith corresponding audio, movies, television shows, and so forth. Asmentioned above, when either the first content 1003 or the secondcontent 1004 is audio-visual content, the one or more processors (112)of the electronic device 100 can deliver the corresponding audio viadifferent channels. Illustrating by example, the one or more processors(112) may drive a loudspeaker to audibly emit the audio content into theenvironment 108. Alternatively, the one or more processors (112) canelectronically delivering the audio content to a companion electronicdevice, such as a pair of headphones or wireless ear buds. When both thefirst person 501 and the second person 502 are within the environment108, the one or more processors (112) may elect to preclude delivery ofboth the audio content so as to prevent disturbance of the other person.Additionally, the one or more processors (112) may even multiplex theaudio content with other audio content. These examples and more will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 14. Still other audio controloptions will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the decision of how to handle the audioassociated with the audio-visual content is made as a function of one ormore external factors. Illustrating by example, in one or moreembodiments the controlling occurs as a function of a distance betweeneach person of the multiple persons and the electronic device 100. Inother embodiments, the controlling occurs as a function of anauthentication credential associated with each person of the multiplepersons, which is occurring in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 10.In still other embodiments, the controlling occurs as a function ofwhich person of the multiple persons began consuming content at theelectronic device first. These examples of control inputs and more willbe described below with reference to FIG. 15. Still other inputs usedfor selecting an audio control operation will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 10, the first person 501 is theowner of the electronic device 100. The second person 502 is authorizedto use the electronic device 100 due to the fact that the first person501 has verbally given him permission to do so, but the one or moreprocessors (112), using the presence detector (111), authenticate thefirst person 501 as an authenticated authorized user. Accordingly, thefirst person has precedence in selecting what content to consume usingthe electronic device 100.

In this example, the first person 501 elects to consume audio-visualcontent. Accordingly, since the first person 501 is authenticated, theone or more processors (112) emit the audio content 1005 associated withthe first content 1003 into the environment 108 of the electronic device100 via a loudspeaker.

Since the first person 501 is consuming audio-visual content and hasprecedence over the second person 502, the second person is left with afew different options to begin independently consuming the secondcontent 1004. If the second person 502 wants to consume audio-visualcontent, they could go get a pair of headphones or ear buds, therebyallowing the one or more processors (112) to deliver the correspondingaudio to the headphones or ear buds without disturbing the first person501. Alternatively, the one or more processors (112) can simply precludethe delivery of the audio content associated with the second content1004, thereby allowing the second person 502 to consume only the visualportion of the audio-visual content.

In this illustrative example, the second person 502 has elected toconsume only visual content. The second person 502 independentlycontrols the second display (120) to cause the presentation of thesecond content 1004 to commence. Accordingly, the first person 501 andthe second person 502 can independently control the first display (105)and the second display (120) to consume first content 1003 and secondcontent 1004 despite the fact that the first content 1003 and the secondcontent 1004 are different.

Turning now to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is an example in which thefirst person 501 and the second person 502 each desire to consumeaudio-visual content. As before, the presence detector (111) detects afirst person 501 and a second person 502 being within the environment108 of the electronic device 100. Additionally, the presence detector(111) detects the first person 501 being positioned so as to be able toview the first display (105) and the second person 502 being positionedso as to be able to view the second display (120).

Simultaneously, the one or more geometry sensors (117) detects apredefined geometric form factor of the electronic device 100, which inthis example comprises the first device housing 102 being orientedsubstantially orthogonally with the second device housing 103. Inresponse to detecting this geometric form factor and the multiplepersons within the environment 108, the one or more processors (112) ofthe electronic device 100 enable the dual content presentation mode ofoperation allowing presentation of first content 1103 on the firstdisplay (105) of the electronic device 100 and second content 1104 onthe second device housing (103) of the electronic device 100. Onceagain, the first content 1103 and the second content 1104 are differentcontent offerings. In addition to enabling the dual content presentationmode of operation, here the one or more processors (112) of theelectronic device 100 also, in response to detecting the geometric formfactor and the multiple persons within the environment 108, enabled thedual user input control mode of operation allowing the first display(105) to be controlled independently of the second display (120).

Since the first content 1103 and the second content 1104 are bothaudio-visual content, the one or more processors (112) must control theaudio content associated with the first content 1103 and the secondcontent 1104 to prevent the each from disturbing the other person. Inthis illustrative example, each person has a companion device that isoperable with the electronic device 100. The first person 501 has afirst pair of wireless headphones 1101. Similarly, the second person 502has a second pair of wireless headphones 1102. Accordingly, the one ormore processors (112) electronically deliver the first audio contentassociated with the first content 1103 to the first companion electronicdevice, and also deliver the second audio content associated with thesecond content 1104 to the second companion electronic device. Thisallows the first person 501 and the second person 502 to independentlyconsume audio-visual content with a single device without disturbing theother person.

Turning now to FIG. 12, illustrated therein is one explanatory method1200 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Themethod 1200 is suitable for use in the electronic device (100) of FIGS.1-11. The method 1200 further encompasses many of the examples describedabove with reference to FIGS. 5-11 by explaining the operation of thevarious components of the electronic device (100).

Beginning at step 1201, the method 1200 detects, with one or moresensors, multiple persons being within an environment of an electronicdevice. In one or more embodiments, step 1201 comprises detecting atleast one person being positioned so as to be able to view a firstdisplay of the electronic device and a second person being positioned soas to be able to view a second display of the electronic device.

At step 1202, the method 1200 detects, with one or more other sensors, ageometric form factor defined by an amount a first device housing of theelectronic device is pivoted about a hinge relative to a second devicehousing of the electronic device. In one or more embodiments, thegeometric form factor comprises the first device housing being pivotedabout the hinge relative to the second device housing to an angle ofbetween seventy-five and one hundred and five degrees, inclusive. Inanother embodiment, the geometric form factor comprises a first devicehousing of the electronic device positioned about a hinge relative to asecond device housing to an axially displaced open position with theelectronic device coupled to a docking station. Other predefinedgeometric form factors suitable for enabling one or more features of theelectronic device will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure.

At step 1203, the method 1200 enables, with one or more processors inresponse to detecting the geometric form factor and the multiple personswithin the environment, a dual content presentation mode of operationallowing presentation of first content on a first display of theelectronic device and second content on a second display. In one or moreembodiments, the first content and the second content are different. Forexample, the first content may be audio-visual content while the secondcontent is visual only content, or vice versa. Alternatively, the firstcontent and the second content may both be audio-visual content, withthe first content being a movie and the second content being a differentmovie or a television show, and so forth. At optional step 1204, themethod 1200 also enables, with the one or more processors in response todetecting the geometric form factor and the multiple persons within theenvironment, a dual user input control mode of operation allowing thefirst display to be controlled independently of the second display andvice versa.

Where the first content and the second content are both audio-visualcontent offerings, with those content offerings being different,optional step 1205 controls the audio content associated with each ofthe first content and the second content so as to prevent disturbing anyof the persons within the environment of the electronic device.Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that simply emitting differentaudio content offerings into the environment could be irritating orcould render those audio content offerings unintelligible. Accordingly,step 1205 prevents this from occurring by controlling, with the one ormore processors, first audio content associated with the first contentand second audio content associated with the second content when thefirst content and the second content are both audio visual content.Turning briefly to FIG. 13, illustrated therein are various ways inwhich this control could occur.

In one or more embodiments, step 1205 controls first audio contentassociated with the first content and second audio content associatedwith the second content as a function of proximity or distance 1301.Illustrating by example, in one or more embodiments this control as afunction of proximity controls the audio as a function of a distancebetween each person and the electronic device. The control can compriseemitting, for instance, the audio content associated with theaudio-visual content into the environment for the person who is closestto the electronic device since this audio content can be delivered at alower volume due to the proximity. The second audio can then bedelivered via another channel or precluded from delivery.

In other embodiments, step 1205 comprises controlling the audio as afunction of which person of the multiple persons began consuming contentat the electronic device first 1302. If, for example, a first personbegan consuming content before a second person, and the first person hasa preferred method of consuming the audio content, e.g., by audiblydelivering the audio into the environment via a loudspeaker, step 1205gives the first user that choice. The second audio can then be deliveredvia another channel or precluded from delivery.

In still other embodiments, step 1205 comprises controlling the audio asa function of an authentication credential 1303 associated with eachperson of the multiple persons. If, for example, an authenticated userof the electronic device has a preferred method of consuming the audiocontent, e.g., by audibly delivering the audio into the environment viaa loudspeaker, step 1205 gives the authenticated user that choice. Thesecond audio can then be delivered via another channel or precluded fromdelivery.

In still other embodiments, step 1205 comprises controlling the audio asa function of the content type 1304. If, for example, a first person isconsuming content having only a musical score associated as audiocontent, and a second person is consuming content having noisyconversation of multiple people associated as audio content, step 1205can comprise delivering the least annoying content to the environment ofthe electronic device while delivering the more annoying content toanother channel, such as to a companion electronic device likeheadphones or ear buds.

In still other embodiments, step 1205 can comprise controlling the audioas a function of available audio channels 1305. Recall from FIG. 11above that each person had their own companion electronic device.Accordingly, in situations where the available audio channels 1305provide a sufficient number of non-interfering channels, e.g., channelsinto which delivery of audio content will not interfere with otherchannels, step 1205 can control the audio content accordingly. Deliveryof audio content to one set of headphones will not affect the deliveryof other audio content to another set of headphones, as demonstratedabove with reference to FIG. 11.

In still other embodiments, step 1205 can control the audio in responseto one or more user settings 1306. An owner of the electronic device mayset user settings using a menu or user interface such that contentassociated with a first display is delivered via one channel, e.g., intothe environment via a loudspeaker, while content associated with asecond display is delivered via another channel, e.g., to a companionelectronic device.

In still other embodiments, step 1205 can process first audio contentassociated with the first content differently than second audio contentassociated with the second content in response to detecting the multiplepersons within the environment of the electronic device while theelectronic device is in the axially displaced open position and iscoupled to the docking station 1307. For example, if the principalloudspeaker is physically oriented in the same direction as one of thetwo displays, step 1205 may control presentation of first audio contentassociated with the first content and second audio content associatedwith the second content by acoustically delivering the first audiocontent to the environment and electronically delivering the secondaudio content to a companion electronic device, and so forth.

Once the factors used in making the decision of how to control the audioare considered, the decision is made. Turning briefly to FIG. 14,illustrated therein are possible results of the decision. Many of thesehave been previously described.

In one or more embodiments, step 1205 comprises audibly emitting thefirst audio content into the environment and precluding delivery of thesecond audio content 1401. In other embodiments, step 1205 comprisesaudibly emitting the first audio content into the environment andelectronically delivering the second audio content to a companionelectronic device 1402. The opposite can occur by audibly emitting thesecond audio content into the environment and electronically deliveringthe first audio content to a companion electronic device 1405. Saiddifferently, in one or more embodiments step 1205 comprises controllingpresentation of first audio content associated with the first contentand second audio content associated with the second content byacoustically delivering the first audio content to the environment andelectronically delivering the second audio content to a companionelectronic device.

In still other embodiments step 1205 comprises electronically deliveringthe first audio content to a first companion electronic device and alsoelectronically delivering the second audio content to a second companionelectronic device 1403. In still other embodiments, step 1205 cancomprise multiplexing 1404 the first audio content and the second audiocontent. Illustrating by example, if the first audio content is thesoundtrack corresponding to a movie, and the second audio content isintermittent, such as the occasional bird chirp associated with a birdwatching video, step 1205 can comprise momentarily pausing the firstaudio content, playing the second audio content, and then resuming thefirst audio content in a multiplexed manner.

In still other embodiments, step 1205 can comprise precluding 1406delivery of both the first audio content and the second audio content.This leaves each person to consume only the visual portions of theiraudio-visual content. Beam steering 1407 can be used to deliver a spotsound to each user without disturbing the other. The examples of FIG. 14are illustrative only, as numerous other ways to perform step 1205 willbe obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

Turning now back FIG. 12, in one or more embodiments optional step 1206can include providing one or more instructional messages in response tothe control decision and result occurring at step 1205. For example, ifstep 1205 controls presentation of first audio content associated withthe first content and second audio content associated with the secondcontent by acoustically delivering the first audio content to theenvironment, the display associated with the second content may presenta message saying, “if you want to hear audio, go and get someheadphones!” Accordingly, if the second person fetches a companionelectronic device, such as wireless headphones, step 1205 can thenelectronically deliver the second audio content to a companionelectronic device.

Turning now to FIG. 15, illustrated therein is one explanatory method inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Beginning atstep 1501, an owner 1508 of an electronic device 100 has deformed theelectronic device 100 into a predefined geometric form factor in whichthe first device housing 102 is oriented between seventy five and onehundred and five degrees about a hinge relative to a second devicehousing 103. One or more sensors of the electronic device detect thisgeometric form factor. One or more sensors of the electronic device alsoauthenticate the owner 1508 of the electronic device 100 as anauthorized user. The owner 1508 of the electronic device 100 begins toconsume first content 1509, which in this example is audio-visualcontent. One or more processors (112) of the electronic device 100present the visual component of the audio-visual content on a firstdisplay (105) of the electronic device 100 and emit the audio componentof the audio-visual content into the environment 108 via a loudspeaker.

A second person 1510, which in this example is the owner's child, isalso present within the environment 108. Seeing that huge second display(120) is both visible and accessible, the second person 1510 sees anopportunity to get some quality screen time by watching a movie. Inprior art devices, this would not be possible. However, the electronicdevice 100 of FIG. 15 is configured in accordance with embodiments ofthe disclosure.

Accordingly, one or more sensors detect that multiple persons are withinthe environment 108 of the electronic device 100 at step 1502. When thisoccurs simultaneously with one or more other sensors detecting thegeometric form factor defined by an amount the first device housing 102of the electronic device 100 is pivoted about the hinge 101 relative tothe second device housing 103 of the electronic device 100 at step 1503,one or more processors (112) of the electronic device enable a dualcontent presentation mode of operation at step 1504 allowingpresentation of second content on the second display (120) of theelectronic device while the first content 1509, which is different, isindependently presented on the first display (105) of the electronicdevice 100. The one or more processors (112) also enable, in response todetecting the geometric form factor and the multiple persons within theenvironment, a dual user input control mode of operation at step 1505allowing the first display to be controlled independently of the seconddisplay and vice versa.

At step 1506, the second person 1510 then controls the second display(120) independently of the first display (105) to call up a movie.However, since the one or more processors (112) are controlling theaudio associated with the different content offerings as a function ofan authentication credential associated with each person of the multiplepersons, the first person, being the owner 1508 of the electronic device100 as authenticated by the one or more processors (112), hasprecedence. The second person 1510 notices this and says, “Hey, NoAudio!”.

The one or more processors (112) then provide one or more instructionalmessages 1511 in response to audio control decision and result occurringat step 1506. In this example, the one or more instructional messages1511 identify the control mechanism, i.e., authentication credentialwith dad having a higher authentication credential as owner of theelectronic device than the child. The one or more instructional messages1511 also suggest solutions that would allow the second person 1510 tohear the audio content associated with the movie. Here, the one or moreinstructional messages 1511 state, “go get some headphones.”

The second person does this and returns at step 1507. Accordingly, theone or more processors (112) audibly emit the first audio content intothe environment and electronically delivering the second audio contentto a companion electronic device, which are the headphones. Each personcan then control and enjoy, independently, two different audio-visualcontent offerings using a single device.

Turning now to FIG. 16, illustrated therein is another explanatoryelectronic device 1600 configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. In contrast to the electronic device(100) of FIG. 1, rather than having two displays the electronic device1600 of FIG. 16 includes only a single display 1601, which is flexibleand touch-sensitive in this illustrative embodiment. The display 1601serves as a primary user interface for the electronic device 1600. Userscan deliver user input to the display 1601 of such an embodiment bydelivering touch input from a finger, stylus, or other objects disposedproximately with the display 1601. In one or more embodiments, thedisplay 1601 is the only display of the electronic device 1600.

In one embodiment, the display 1601 is configured as an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display fabricated on a flexible plasticsubstrate. However, it should be noted that other types of displayswould be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure. In one or more embodiments, an OLED isconstructed on flexible plastic substrates can allow the display 1601 tobecome flexible in one or more embodiments with various bending radii.For example, some embodiments allow bending radii of between thirty andsix hundred millimeters to provide a bendable display. Other substratesallow bending radii of around five millimeters to provide a display thatis foldable through active bending. Other displays can be configured toaccommodate both bends and folds. In one or more embodiments the display1601 may be formed from multiple layers of flexible material such asflexible sheets of polymer or other materials. While the display 1601 ofFIG. 16 is a flexible display, in other embodiments one or more rigiddisplays could be placed across a major face of the electronic device1600 and used in tandem to define a display assembly. Otherconfigurations for the display 1601 will be obvious to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The explanatory electronic device 1600 of FIG. 1 also includes a housing1602 supporting the display 1601. In one or more embodiments, thehousing 1602 is flexible. In one embodiment, the housing 1602 may bemanufactured from a malleable, bendable, or physically deformablematerial such as a flexible thermoplastic, flexible composite material,flexible fiber material, flexible metal, organic or inorganic textile orpolymer material, or other materials.

In other embodiments, the housing 1602 could also be a combination ofrigid segments connected by hinges, as previously described, or byflexible materials. For instance, the electronic device 1600 couldalternatively include a first device housing and a second device housingwith a hinge coupling the first device housing to the second devicehousing such that the first device housing is selectively pivotableabout the hinge relative to the second device housing. The first devicehousing can be selectively pivotable about the hinge between a closedposition, a partially open position, and an axially displaced openposition.

In other embodiments, the housing 1602 could be a composite of multiplecomponents. For instance, in another embodiment the housing 1602 couldbe a combination of rigid segments connected by hinges or flexiblematerials. Still other constructs will be obvious to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Where thehousing 1602 is a deformable housing, it can be manufactured from asingle flexible housing member or from multiple flexible housingmembers.

Features can be added and can be located on the front of the housing1602, sides of the housing 1602, or the rear of the housing 1602.Illustrating by example, in one or more embodiments a first imagecapture device can be disposed on one side of the electronic device1600, while a second image capture device is disposed on another side ofthe electronic device 1600.

In one or more embodiments when the electronic device 1600 is deformedby a bend at a deformable portion 1603 of the electronic device 1600,this results in a first display portion 1604 being situated to one sideof the deformable portion 1603 and a second display portion 1605 beingsituated to another side of the deformable portion. In one embodiment,the electronic device 1600 includes one or more sensors (such as thegeometry sensor (117) of FIG. 1 above) operable to determine a geometryof the electronic device 1600.

Illustrating by example, in one or more embodiments the one or moresensors are operable to detect the geometry of the electronic device1600 detect angles between a first device housing portion 1606 and asecond device housing portion 1607 separated from the first devicehousing portion 1606 by the deformable portion 1603 of the electronicdevice 1600. The one or more sensors operable to determine a geometry ofthe electronic device 1600 can detect the first device housing portion1606 pivoting, bending, or deforming about the deformable portion 1603relative to the second device housing portion 1607.

The one or more sensors operable to determine the geometry can takevarious forms. In one or more embodiments, the one or more sensorsoperable to determine the geometry of the electronic device 1600comprise one or more flex sensors supported by the housing 1602 andoperable with the one or more processors to detect a bending operationdeforming one or more of the housing 1602 or the display 1601 into adeformed geometry, such as that shown in FIGS. 18-20. The inclusion offlex sensors is optional, and in some embodiment flex sensors will notbe included.

While a flex sensor is one configuration suitable for detecting abending operation occurring to deform the electronic device 1600 and ageometry of the electronic device 1600 after the bending operation,other sensors for detecting the geometry of the electronic device 1600can be used as well. For instance, a magnet can be placed in the firstdevice housing portion 1606 while a magnetic sensor is placed in thesecond device housing portion 1607, or vice versa. The magnetic sensorcould be Hall-effect sensor, a giant magnetoresistance effect sensor, atunnel magnetoresistance effect sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistivesensor, or other type of sensor.

In still other embodiments, the one or more sensors operable todetermine a geometry of the electronic device 1600 can comprise aninductive coil placed in the first device housing portion 1606 and apiece of metal placed in the second device housing portion 1607, or viceversa. When the metal is in close proximity to the coil, the one or moresensors operable to determine a geometry of the electronic device 1600detect the first device housing portion 1606 and the second devicehousing portion 1607 in a first position. By contrast, when the metal isfarther away from the coil, the one or more sensors operable todetermine a geometry of the electronic device 1600 can detect the firstdevice housing portion 1606 and the second device housing portion 1607being in a second position, and so forth.

In other embodiments the one or more sensors operable to determine ageometry of the electronic device 1600 can comprise an inertial motionunit situated in the first device housing portion 1606 and anotherinertial motion unit situated in the second device housing portion 1607.The one or more processors can compare motion sensor readings from eachinertial motion unit to track the relative movement and/or position ofthe first device housing portion 1606 relative to the second devicehousing portion 1607, as well as the first device housing portion 1606and the second device housing portion 1607 relative to the direction ofgravity. This data can be used to determine and or track the state andposition of the first device housing portion 1606 and the second devicehousing portion 1607 directly as they pivot about the deformable portion1603, as well as their orientation with reference to a direction ofgravity.

Where included as the one or more sensors operable to determine thegeometry of the electronic device 1600, each inertial motion unit cancomprise a combination of one or more accelerometers, one or moregyroscopes, and optionally one or more magnetometers, to determine theorientation, angular velocity, and/or specific force of one or both ofthe first device housing portion 1606 or the second device housingportion 1607. When included in the electronic device 1600, theseinertial motion units can be used as orientation sensors to measure theorientation of one or both of the first device housing portion 1606 orthe second device housing portion 1607 in three-dimensional space.Similarly, the inertial motion units can be used as orientation sensorsto measure the motion of one or both of the first device housing portion1606 or second device housing portion 1607 in three-dimensional space.The inertial motion units can be used to make other measurements aswell.

In another embodiment the one or more sensors operable to determine ageometry of the electronic device 1600 comprise proximity sensors thatdetect how far a first end of the electronic device 1600 is from asecond end of the electronic device 1600. Still other examples of theone or more sensors operable to determine a geometry of the electronicdevice 1600 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more sensors operable todetermine a geometry of the electronic device 1600 can comprise an imagecapture analysis/synthesis manager. When the electronic device 1600defines a bend in the deformable portion 1603, with image capture devicesituated on the first device housing portion 1606 positioned to a firstside of the bend and image capture device situated on the second devicehousing portion 1607 positioned to the second side of the bend, theimage capture analysis/synthesis manager can detect that the field ofview of image capture device and the field of view of image capturedevice converging or diverging depending upon the angle of the bend, andcan determine the geometry by processing images from image capturedevice and image capture device to determine the angle of the bend.

If, for instance, the first device housing portion 1606 abuts the seconddevice housing portion 1607 such that the field of view of one imager isoriented in a direction substantially opposite that of another field ofview of another imager, in one or more embodiments the image captureanalysis/synthesis manager can detect this fact by detecting that eitherneither field of view captures the same content, or if the fields ofview are sufficiently wide, that only content in the periphery of eachfield of view is common between images captured by image capture deviceand image capture device.

Similarly, if the first device housing portion 1606 is orientedsubstantially orthogonally with the second device housing portion 1607such that the field of view of image capture device is orientedsubstantially orthogonally with another field of view of image capturedevice, in one or more embodiments the image capture analysis/synthesismanager can detect this geometry by detecting that either field of viewcaptures the same content only at partial peripheries. If the firstdevice housing portion 1606 and the second device housing portion 1607define a non-orthogonal angle where the fields of view of the imagersconverge or diverge, in one or more embodiments image captureanalysis/synthesis manager can detect this by detecting expected amountsof overlap of the content visible in each field of view, and so forth.Still other types of the one or more sensors operable to determine ageometry of the electronic device 1600 will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, each of the first image capture device andthe second image capture device comprises an intelligent imager. Whereconfigured as an intelligent imager, each image capture device cancapture one or more images of environments about the electronic device1600 and determine whether the object matches predetermined criteria.For example, the intelligent imager operate as an identification moduleconfigured with optical recognition such as include image recognition,character recognition, visual recognition, facial recognition, colorrecognition, shape recognition and the like. Advantageously, theintelligent imager can recognize whether a user's face or eyes aredisposed to a first side of the electronic device 1600 when it is foldedor to a second side. Similarly, the intelligent imager, in oneembodiment, can detect whether the user is gazing toward a portion ofthe display 1601 disposed to a first side of a bend or another portionof the display 1601 disposed to a second side of a bend. In yet anotherembodiment, the intelligent imager can determine where a user's eyes orface are located in three-dimensional space relative to the electronicdevice 1600.

In addition to, or instead of the intelligent imager, one or moreproximity sensors included with the other sensors and components candetermine to which side of the electronic device 1600 the user ispositioned when the electronic device 1600 is deformed. The proximitysensors can include one or more proximity sensor components. Theproximity sensors can also include one or more proximity detectorcomponents. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor components compriseonly signal receivers. By contrast, the proximity detector componentsinclude a signal receiver and a corresponding signal transmitter.

While each proximity detector component can be any one of various typesof proximity sensors, such as but not limited to, capacitive, magnetic,inductive, optical/photoelectric, imager, laser, acoustic/sonic,radar-based, Doppler-based, thermal, and radiation-based proximitysensors, in one or more embodiments the proximity detector componentscomprise infrared transmitters and receivers. The infrared transmittersare configured, in one embodiment, to transmit infrared signals havingwavelengths of about 860 nanometers, which is one to two orders ofmagnitude shorter than the wavelengths received by the proximity sensorcomponents. The proximity detector components can have signal receiversthat receive similar wavelengths, i.e., about 860 nanometers.

In one or more embodiments the proximity sensor components have a longerdetection range than do the proximity detector components due to thefact that the proximity sensor components detect heat directly emanatingfrom a person's body (as opposed to reflecting off the person's body)while the proximity detector components rely upon reflections ofinfrared light emitted from the signal transmitter. For example, theproximity sensor component may be able to detect a person's body heatfrom a distance of about ten feet, while the signal receiver of theproximity detector component may only be able to detect reflectedsignals from the transmitter at a distance of about one to two feet.

In one embodiment, the proximity sensor components comprise an infraredsignal receiver so as to be able to detect infrared emissions from aperson. Accordingly, the proximity sensor components require notransmitter since objects disposed external to the housing 1602 of theelectronic device 1600 deliver emissions that are received by theinfrared receiver. As no transmitter is required, each proximity sensorcomponent can operate at a very low power level. Evaluations show that agroup of infrared signal receivers can operate with a total currentdrain of just a few microamps (˜10 microamps per sensor). By contrast, aproximity detector component, which includes a signal transmitter, maydraw hundreds of microamps to a few milliamps.

In one embodiment, one or more proximity detector components can eachinclude a signal receiver and a corresponding signal transmitter. Thesignal transmitter can transmit a beam of infrared light that reflectsfrom a nearby object and is received by a corresponding signal receiver.The proximity detector components can be used, for example, to computethe distance to any nearby object from characteristics associated withthe reflected signals. The reflected signals are detected by thecorresponding signal receiver, which may be an infrared photodiode usedto detect reflected light emitting diode (LED) light, respond tomodulated infrared signals, and/or perform triangulation of receivedinfrared signals.

The electronic device 1600 of FIG. 1 can include any of the componentsdescribed above with reference to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 1.These components include the one or more processors (112), the memory(113), the one or more geometry sensors (117), the presence detector(111) the other sensors (119), and/or the other components (125). It isto be understood that FIG. 16 is provided for illustrative purposes onlyand for illustrating components of one electronic device 1600 inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to bea complete schematic diagram of the various components required for anelectronic device. Therefore, other electronic devices in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure may include various other componentsnot shown in FIG. 16 or may include a combination of two or morecomponents or a division of a particular component into two or moreseparate components, and still be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 17, a user 1700 is executing a bending operation1701 upon the electronic device 1600 to impart deformation at adeformation portion 1603 of the electronic device 1600. In thisillustration, the user 1700 is applying force (into the page) at thefirst side 1702 and a second side 1703 of the electronic device 1600 tobend both the housing 1602, which is deformable in this embodiment, andthe display 1601 at the deformation portion 1603. Internal componentsdisposed along flexible substrates are allowed to bend as well along thedeformation portion 1603. This method of deforming the housing 1602 anddisplay 1601 allows the user 1700 to simply and quickly bend theelectronic device 1600 into a desired deformed physical configuration orshape.

In other embodiments, rather than relying upon the manual application offorce, the electronic device can include a mechanical actuator 1704,operable with the one or more processors, to deform the device housing1602 and the display 1601 by one or more bends. For example, a motor orother mechanical actuator can be operable with structural components tobend the electronic device 1600 to predetermined angles and physicalconfigurations in one or more embodiments. The use of a mechanicalactuator 1704 allows a precise bend angle or predefined deformedphysical configurations to be repeatedly achieved without the user 1700having to make adjustments. However, in other embodiments the mechanicalactuator 1704 will be omitted to reduce component cost.

Regardless of whether the bending operation 1701 is a manual one or isinstead one performed by a mechanical actuator 1704, it results in thedevice housing 1602 and the display 1601 being deformed by one or morebends. One result of the bending operation 1701 is shown in FIG. 18. Inthis illustrative embodiment, the electronic device 1600 is deformed bya single bend at the deformation portion 1603. However, in otherembodiments, the one or more bends can comprise a plurality of bends, asshown below in FIG. 20. Other deformed configurations will be obvious tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors of the electronic device1600 are operable to detect that a bending operation (1701) is occurringby detecting a change in an impedance of the one or more geometrysensors. The one or more processors can detect this bending operation(1701) in other ways as well. For example, the touch sensors can detecttouch and pressure from the user. Alternatively, the proximity sensorscan detect the first side (1702) and the second side (1703) of theelectronic device 1600 getting closer together. Force sensors can detectan amount of force that the user is applying to the housing 1602 aswell. The user can input information indicating that the electronicdevice 1600 has been bent using the display 1601 or other userinterface. Inertial motion sensors can be used as previously described.Other techniques for detecting that the bending operation has occurredwill be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefitof this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, one or more sensors of the electronic device1600 detect a geometry of the electronic device 1600 after the bendingoperation (1701). For example, one or more geometry sensors can detectthe deformation occurring in the device housing 1602 and flexibledisplay 1601, which spans the deformable portion 1603. In theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 18, the geometry is a deformed geometrydefined by an obtuse angle 1801 defined between the first device housingportion 1606 relative to the second device housing portion 1607. Theobtuse angle 1801 of FIG. 18 is “obtuse” in that the visible portion ofthe flexible display 1601 is bent beyond 180 degrees. Said differently,the first device housing portion 1606 has been pivoted about thedeformable portion 1603 relative to the second device housing portion1607 to an obtuse angle 1801 of more than 180 degrees.

In one or more embodiments, one or more other sensors, such as apresence detector, detect multiple persons being within an environment108 of the electronic device 1600. In the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 18, a first person 501 and a second person 502 are within theenvironment 108 of the electronic device 1600. In one or moreembodiments, one or more processors of the electronic device 1600 thenenable, in response to detecting the geometry and the multiple personswithin the environment 108, a dual content presentation mode ofoperation allowing presentation of first content 1802 on a first displayportion 1604 of the flexible display 1601 situated to one side of thedeformable portion 1603. Simultaneously, the dual content presentationmode of operation allows for the presentation of second content 1803 ona second display portion 1605 of the flexible display 1601 situated toanother side of the deformable portion 1603. In one or more embodiments,the first content 1802 and the second content 1803 are different. Forinstance, the first content 1802 might be the display of an emailmessage, while the second content 1803 is a feature length movie.

As previously described, the one or more processors can also enable, inresponse to detecting the geometry and the multiple persons within theenvironment, a dual user input control mode of operation allowing thefirst display portion 1604 to be controlled independently of the seconddisplay portion 1605. Illustrating by example, the first person 501 maydeliver touch input to the first display portion 1604 to play, pause,rewind, and fast forward the feature length movie, while the secondperson 502 delivers other touch input to the second display portion 1605to scroll through the email, and so forth.

Audio content 1805 associated with the first content 1802, or where thesecond content 1803 comprises audio content as well, the second content,can be controlled as previously described above with reference to FIGS.13-14. To wit, the one or more processors of the electronic device 1600can control audio content 1805 associated with the first content 1802 orthe second content 1803 when the first content 1802 and the secondcontent 1803 are audio-visual content offerings. This can includecontrolling the audio content 1805 as a function of the distance (1301)between each person of the multiple persons and the electronic device1600, as a function of an authentication credential (1303) associatedwith each person of the multiple persons, or as a function of whichperson of the multiple persons began consuming content at the electronicdevice 1600 first (1302). These or other control techniques can resultin the audio content 1805 being emitted into the environment 108 whileother audible content associated with the second content 1803 isdelivered to a companion electronic device (1402), precluding (1406) thedelivery of audio content 1805 associated with the first content 1802 orother audio content associated with the second content 1803,multiplexing (1404) the audio content 1805 associated with the firstcontent 1802 or other audio content associated with the second content1803, or electronically delivering the audio content 1805 associatedwith the first content 1802 or other audio content associated with thesecond content 1803 to two different companion electronic devices (1402,1403).

It should be noted that while the electronic device 1600 of FIG. 18includes a deformable device housing 1602, similar operations could beperformed with the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1. Illustrating byexample, the deformable portion 1603 could be replaced by a hinge, whilethe first device housing portion 1606 is replaced by a first devicehousing. Similarly, the second device housing portion 1607 could bereplaced by a second device housing. Accordingly, the first devicehousing portion 1606 could comprise a first device housing, while thesecond device housing portion 1607 comprises a second device housing,with the two coupled together by a hinge rather than a deformableportion 1603. In other words, the deformable portion 1603 could bedefined by a hinge coupling the first device housing to the seconddevice housing such that the first device housing is pivotable about thehinge relative to the second device housing from a closed position to anaxially displaced open position to the obtuse angle 1801, and so forth.

Turning now to FIG. 19, the electronic device 1600 has been rotated by90 degrees to a “tent” position. As before, a first device housingportion 1606 is separated from a second device housing portion 1607 by adeformable portion 1603 such that the first device housing portion 1606is pivotable about the deformable portion 1603 relative to the seconddevice housing portion 1607 between at least a closed position and theobtuse angle shown in FIG. 19.

In one or more embodiments, one or more sensors are operable todetermine whether the first device housing portion 1606 and the seconddevice housing portion 1607 define the obtuse angle. The flexibledisplay 1601 is again coupled to the first device housing portion 1606and the second device housing portion 1607 while spanning the deformableportion 1603. Accordingly, the flexible display 1601 is deformed whenthe first device housing portion 1606 and the second device housingportion 1607 are bent to the obtuse angle.

One or more processors of the electronic device 1600 then enable a dualcontent presentation mode of operation allowing the presentation offirst content 1902 on a first display portion 1604 situated to one sideof the deformable portion 1603 and second content 1903 on a seconddisplay portion 1605 situated to another side of the deformable portion1603 when the one or more sensors detect the first device housingportion 1606 and the second device housing portion 1607 defining theobtuse angle.

In one or more embodiments, when one or more sensors of the electronicdevice 1600 detect a plurality of persons within the environment of theelectronic device 1600, the one or more processors further enable a dualuser input control mode of operation allowing user input received at thefirst display portion 1604 and other user input received at the seconddisplay portion 1605, respectively, to independently control the firstdisplay portion 1604 and the second display portion 1605.

Audio content associated with the first content 1902, or where thesecond content 1903 comprises audio content as well, the second content,can be controlled as previously described above with reference to FIGS.13-14. In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors of theelectronic device 1600 control audio content associated with the firstcontent 1902 or the second content 1903 when the first content 1902 andthe second content 1903 are audio-visual content offerings.

Several advantages offered by the “bendability” of embodiments of thedisclosure are illustrated in FIG. 19. For instance, in one or moreembodiments the one or more processors of the electronic device 1600 areoperable to, when the display 1601 is deformed by one or more bends,present content, information, and/or user actuation targets on a firstportion of the display 1601 disposed to a first side of the deformableportion, while another person is able to consume completely differentcontent on a second portion of the display 1601 disposed to the otherside of the deformable portion. This allows two persons to consumecompletely different content, controlled independently, on a singledisplay as a result of the one or more sensors detecting the obtuseangle and multiple persons within the environment. Additionally, wherethe electronic device 1600 is configured in the physical configurationshown in FIGS. 18-19, which resembles a card folded into a “tent fold,”the electronic device 1600 can stand on its side or ends on a flatsurface such as a table. This configuration can make the display 1601easier for the two users to independently view since they do not have tohold the electronic device 1600 in their hands.

In addition to illustrating advantages of having a deformable housing, acomparison of FIGS. 16-19 with FIGS. 1-11 further illustratesfundamental differences stemming from a hinged device including twodisplays and a deformable device (hinged or otherwise) having only asingle display. With the latter, the dual content presentation mode ofoperation not only splits a single display into two different visualcutouts to be independently consumed by two different users, therebyleveraging a split screen functionality, but the audio controlmechanisms performed by the one or more processors also manage audiorouting based on whether the two different content offerings beingpresented contain audio pertaining to each display content offering.

When the audio control, the dual content presentation mode of operation,and/or the dual user input control mode of operation are actuated can bea design feature as well. For instance, in one or more embodiments oneor more of the audio control, the dual content presentation mode ofoperation, and/or the dual user input control mode of operation areactuated ONLY when an electronic device is deformed into the last stagewhere it is completely or almost folded, with one part of the displayfacing the end user and the other part of the user facing away from theuser. Accordingly, the display of FIGS. 16-19 effectively becomes asingle display that functions as a “multi-angle view display.” In one ormore embodiments, the multi-angle view display may be a foldable devicewith one display, but when folded outward, part of the folded displaycan be viewed generally from the front and part of the folded displaycan be viewed from the back.

Turning now to FIG. 20, in one or more embodiments the one or moresensors of the electronic device 1600 are operable to detect multiplebends occurring in the device housing 1602. When multiple bends arepresent in the electronic device, the first content 2002 and the secondcontent 2003 presented when the one or more processors operate in thedual content presentation mode of operation can become more advanced. Inthe illustrative embodiment of FIG. 20, the first content 2002 and thesecond content 2003 are both three-dimensional content, albeit differentthree-dimensional content. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments oneor more processors operable with one or more sensors of the electronicdevice 1600 and the flexible display 1601 enable a dual contentpresentation mode of operation allowing presentation of first content2002 on a first display portion of the flexible display 1601 situated toone side of a centrally located deformable portion 2001 and secondcontent 2003 on a second display portion of the flexible display 1601situated to another side of the centrally located deformable portion2001 when the one or more sensors detect that the electronic device 1600is deformed at the centrally located deformable portion 2001.

In one or more embodiments, when the one or more sensors detectadditional deformations 2004, 2005 situated to one or both sides of thecentrally located deformable portion 2001 the one or more processors canelect to deliver three-dimensional content as one or both of the firstcontent 2002 or the second content 2003. For example, the first content2002 can comprise stereoscopic image content is delivered to a left eyeand a right eye of a person. The second content 2003 can also comprisestereoscopic image content delivered to the left eye and right eye ofthe other person. This allows the brain of each user to synthesize theimages into one or more three-dimensional images. Thus, as demonstratedby FIG. 20, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to foldedconfigurations having a single bend. To the contrary, embodiments of thedisclosure can be used with multiple bends as well. Other advantages andmodifications will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 21, illustrated therein are various embodiments ofthe disclosure. The embodiments of FIG. 21 are shown as labeled boxes inFIG. 21 due to the fact that the individual components of theseembodiments have been illustrated in detail in FIGS. 1-20, which precedeFIG. 21. Accordingly, since these items have previously been illustratedand described, their repeated illustration is no longer essential for aproper understanding of these embodiments. Thus, the embodiments areshown as labeled boxes.

At 2101, a method in an electronic device comprises detecting, with oneor more sensors, a geometric form factor defined by an amount a firstdevice housing of the electronic device is pivoted about a hingerelative to a second device housing of the electronic device. At 2101,the method comprises also detecting, with one or more other sensors,multiple persons within an environment of the electronic device.

At 2101, the method comprises enabling, with one or more processors inresponse to detecting the geometric form factor and the multiple personswithin the environment, a dual content presentation mode of operation.At 2101, the dual content presentation mode of operation allowspresentation of first content on a first display of the electronicdevice and second content on a second display where the first contentand the second content are different.

At 2102, the method of 2101 further comprises also enabling, with theone or more processors in response to detecting the geometric formfactor and the multiple persons within the environment, a dual userinput control mode of operation. At 2102, the dual user input controlmode of operation allows the first display to be controlledindependently of the second display and vice versa.

At 2103, the geometric form factor of 2102 comprises the first devicehousing being pivoted about the hinge relative to the second devicehousing to an angle of between seventy-five and one hundred and fivedegrees, inclusive. At 2104, the first display of 2103 comprises aflexible display coupled to the first device housing and the seconddevice housing and spanning the hinge. At 2104, the second display iscoupled only to the first device housing.

At 2105, the method of 2103 further comprises controlling, with the oneor more processors, first audio content associated with the firstcontent and second audio content associated with the second content. At2105, the controlling occurs when the first content and the secondcontent are both audio-visual content.

At 2106, the controlling of 2105 occurs as a function of a distancebetween each person of the multiple persons and the electronic device.At 2107, the controlling of 2105 occurs as a function of anauthentication credential associated with each person of the multiplepersons.

At 2108, the controlling of 2105 occurs as a function of which person ofthe multiple persons began consuming content at the electronic devicefirst. At 2109, the controlling of 2105 comprises audibly emitting thefirst audio content into the environment and electronically deliveringthe second audio content to a companion electronic device.

At 2110, the controlling of 2105 comprises precluding delivery of boththe first audio content and the second audio content. At 2111, thecontrolling of 2105 comprises electronically delivering the first audiocontent to a first companion electronic device and also electronicallydelivering the second audio content to a second companion electronicdevice. At 2112, the controlling of 2105 comprises multiplexing thefirst audio content and the second audio content.

At 2113, the geometric form factor of 2101 comprises a first devicehousing of the electronic device positioned about a hinge relative to asecond device housing to an axially displaced open position with theelectronic device coupled to a docking station.

At 2114, an electronic device comprises a first device housing coupledto a second device housing by a hinge such that the first device housingis pivotable about the hinge relative to the second device housingbetween a closed position and an axially displaced open position. At2114, the electronic device comprises one or more sensors operable todetermine a geometric form factor of the electronic device defined byhow far the first device housing is pivoted about the hinge relative tothe second device housing.

At 2114, the electronic device comprises a first display coupled to thefirst device housing. At 2114, the electronic device comprises a seconddisplay coupled to the first device housing. At 2114, the electronicdevice comprises one or more processors operable with the one or moresensors, the first display, and the second display. At 2114, the one ormore processors enable a dual content presentation mode of operationallowing presentation of first content on the first display and secondcontent on the second display when the one or more sensors detect apredefined geometric form factor.

At 2115, the electronic device of 2114 further comprises one or moreother sensors operable with the one or more processors to detect anumber of persons within an environment of the electronic device. At2115, the one or more processors further enable a dual user inputcontrol mode of operation allowing user input received at the firstdisplay and the second display, respectively, to independently controlthe first display and the second display when the one or more othersensors detect a plurality of persons within the environment.

At 2116, the one or more processors of 2115 control presentation offirst audio content associated with the first content and second audiocontent associated with the second content by acoustically deliveringthe first audio content to the environment and electronically deliveringthe second audio content to a companion electronic device. At 2117, theone or more processors of 2116 control the presentation of the firstaudio content and the second audio content as a function of which personof the plurality of persons is identified by the one or more othersensors as an authorized user of the electronic device.

At 2118, a method in an electronic device comprises detecting, with atleast a first sensor, a first device housing of the electronic devicepositioned in an axially displaced open position relative to a seconddevice housing coupled to the first device housing by a hinge. At 2118,the method comprises detecting, with at least a second sensor, theelectronic device being electronically coupled to a docking station.

At 2118, the method comprises detecting, with at least a third sensor,multiple persons within an environment of the electronic device whilethe electronic device is in the axially displaced open position and iscoupled to the docking station. At 2118, the method enables, with one ormore processors in response to detecting the multiple persons within theenvironment of the electronic device while the electronic device is inthe axially displaced open position and is coupled to the dockingstation, a dual content presentation mode of operation allowingpresentation of first content on a first display of the electronicdevice and second content on a second display where the first contentand the second content are different.

At 2119, the method of 2118 further comprises also enabling, with theone or more processors in response to detecting the multiple personswithin the environment of the electronic device while the electronicdevice is in the axially displaced open position and is coupled to thedocking station, a dual user input control mode of operation allowingthe first display to be controlled independently of the second displayand vice versa. At 2120, the method of 2119 further comprises processingfirst audio content associated with the first content differently thansecond audio content associated with the second content in response todetecting the multiple persons within the environment of the electronicdevice while the electronic device is in the axially displaced openposition and is coupled to the docking station.

Turning now to FIG. 22, illustrated therein are various otherembodiments of the disclosure. As with FIG. 21, the embodiments of FIG.22 are shown as labeled boxes in FIG. 22 due to the fact that theindividual components of these embodiments have been illustrated indetail in FIGS. 1-20, which precede FIG. 22. Accordingly, since theseitems have previously been illustrated and described, their repeatedillustration is no longer essential for a proper understanding of theseembodiments. Thus, the embodiments are shown as labeled boxes.

Beginning at 2201, a method comprises detecting, with one or moresensors, a geometry of a deformable electronic device comprising aflexible display spanning a deformable portion of the deformableelectronic device. At 2201, the geometry is defined by an obtuse angledefined between a first device housing portion of the deformableelectronic device relative to a second device housing portion of thedeformable electronic device.

At 2201, the method also comprises detecting, with one or more othersensors, multiple persons within an environment of the deformableelectronic device. At 2201, the method comprises enabling, with one ormore processors in response to detecting the geometry and the multiplepersons within the environment, a dual content presentation mode ofoperation allowing presentation of first content on a first displayportion of the flexible display situated to one side of the deformableportion and second content on a second display portion of the flexibledisplay situated to another side of the deformable portion, where thefirst content and the second content are different.

At 2202, the method of 2201 further comprises enabling, with the one ormore processors in response to detecting the geometry and the multiplepersons within the environment, a dual user input control mode ofoperation allowing the first display portion to be controlledindependently of the second display portion and vice versa. At 2203, thegeometric form factor of 2202 comprises the first device housing portionbeing pivoted about the deformable portion relative to the second devicehousing portion to an angle of more than one hundred and eighty degrees.

At 2204, the first display of 2203 is the only display of the electronicdevice. At 2205, the method of 2203 further comprises controlling, withthe one or more processors, first audio content associated with thefirst content and second audio content associated with the secondcontent when the first content and the second content are both audiovisual content.

At 2206, the controlling of 2205 occurs as a function of a distancebetween each person of the multiple persons and the electronic device.At 2207, the controlling of 2205 occurs as a function of anauthentication credential associated with each person of the multiplepersons.

At 2208, the controlling of 2205 occurs as a function of which person ofthe multiple persons began consuming content at the deformableelectronic device first. At 2209, the controlling of 2205 comprisesaudibly emitting the first audio content into the environment andelectronically delivering the second audio content to a companionelectronic device.

At 2210, the controlling of 2205 comprises precluding delivery of boththe first audio content and the second audio content. At 2211, thecontrolling of 2205 comprises electronically delivering the first audiocontent to a first companion electronic device and also electronicallydelivering the second audio content to a second companion electronicdevice. At 2212, the controlling of 2205 comprises multiplexing thefirst audio content and the second audio content.

At 2213, the first device housing portion of 2201 comprises a firstdevice housing, while the second device housing portion comprises asecond device housing. At 2213, the deformable portion of 2201 isdefined by a hinge coupling the first device housing to the seconddevice housing such that the first device housing is pivotable about thehinge relative to the second device housing from a closed position to atleast the obtuse angle. At 2214, at least one of the first content orthe second content of 2201 comprises three-dimensional content.

At 2115, an electronic device comprises a first device housing portionseparated from a second device housing portion by a deformable portionsuch that the first device housing portion is pivotable about thedeformable portion relative to the second device housing portion betweena closed position and an obtuse angle. At 2115, the electronic devicecomprises one or more sensors operable to determine whether the firstdevice housing portion and the second device housing portion define theobtuse angle.

At 2115, the electronic device comprises a flexible display coupled tothe first device housing portion and the second device housing portionand spanning the deformable portion. At 2115, the electronic devicecomprises one or more processors operable with the one or more sensorsand the flexible display. At 2115, the one or more processors enable adual content presentation mode of operation allowing presentation offirst content on a first display portion of the flexible displaysituated to one side of the deformable portion and second content on asecond display portion of the flexible display situated to another sideof the deformable portion when the one or more sensors detect that thefirst device housing portion and the second device housing portiondefine the obtuse angle.

At 2116, the electronic device of 2115 further comprises one or moreother sensors operable with the one or more processors to detect anumber of persons within an environment of the electronic device. At2115, the one or more processors further enable a dual user inputcontrol mode of operation allowing user input received at the firstdisplay portion and the second display portion, respectively, toindependently control the first display portion and the second displayportion when the one or more other sensors detect a plurality of personswithin the environment.

At 2117, the one or more processors of 2115 control presentation offirst audio content associated with the first content and second audiocontent associated with the second content by acoustically deliveringthe first audio content to the environment and electronically deliveringthe second audio content to a companion electronic device.

At 2118, the one or more processors of 2115 control the presentation ofthe first audio content and the second audio content as a function ofwhich person of the plurality of persons is identified by the one ormore other sensors as an authorized user of the electronic device.

At 2119, the first device housing portion of 2115 comprises a firstdevice housing, while the second device housing portion comprises asecond device housing. At 2119, the deformable portion of 21115 isdefined by a hinge coupled between the first device housing and thesecond device housing. At 2120, the first device housing of 2119 ispivotable about the hinge between a closed position where the firstdisplay portion and the second display portion abut and at least theobtuse angle.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forthin the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the disclosurehave been illustrated and described, it is clear that the disclosure isnot so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations,substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the following claims.

Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of present disclosure. Thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of any or all the claims. The disclosure is definedsolely by the appended claims including any amendments made during thependency of this application and all equivalents of those claims asissued.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, the method comprising: detecting, withone or more sensors, a geometry of a deformable electronic devicecomprising a flexible display spanning a deformable portion of thedeformable electronic device, wherein the geometry is defined by anobtuse angle defined between a first device housing portion of thedeformable electronic device relative to a second device housing portionof the deformable electronic device; also detecting, with one or moreother sensors, multiple persons within an environment of the deformableelectronic device; and enabling, with one or more processors in responseto detecting the geometry and the multiple persons within theenvironment, a dual content presentation mode of operation allowingpresentation of first content on a first display portion of the flexibledisplay situated to one side of the deformable portion and secondcontent on a second display portion of the flexible display situated toanother side of the deformable portion, where the first content and thesecond content are different.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising also enabling, with the one or more processors in response todetecting the geometry and the multiple persons within the environment,a dual user input control mode of operation allowing the first displayportion to be controlled independently of the second display portion andvice versa.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the geometry comprises thefirst device housing portion being pivoted about the deformable portionrelative to the second device housing portion to an angle of more thanone hundred and eighty degrees.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein theflexible display is the only display of the deformable electronicdevice.
 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising controlling, withthe one or more processors, first audio content associated with thefirst content and second audio content associated with the secondcontent when the first content and the second content are both audiovisual content.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the controlling occursas a function of a distance between each person of the multiple personsand the deformable electronic device.
 7. The method of claim 5, whereinthe controlling occurs as a function of an authentication credentialassociated with each person of the multiple persons.
 8. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the controlling occurs as a function of which person ofthe multiple persons began consuming content at the deformableelectronic device first.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein thecontrolling comprises audibly emitting the first audio content into theenvironment and electronically delivering the second audio content to acompanion electronic device.
 10. The method of claim 5, wherein thecontrolling comprises precluding delivery of both the first audiocontent and the second audio content.
 11. The method of claim 5, whereinthe controlling comprises electronically delivering the first audiocontent to a first companion electronic device and also electronicallydelivering the second audio content to a second companion electronicdevice.
 12. The method of claim 5, wherein the controlling comprisesmultiplexing the first audio content and the second audio content. 13.The method of claim 1, wherein: the first device housing portioncomprises a first device housing; the second device housing portioncomprises a second device housing; and the deformable portion is definedby a hinge coupling the first device housing to the second devicehousing such that the first device housing is pivotable about the hingerelative to the second device housing from a closed position to at leastthe obtuse angle.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of thefirst content or the second content comprises three-dimensional content.15. An electronic device, comprising: a first device housing portionseparated from a second device housing portion by a deformable portionsuch that the first device housing portion is pivotable about thedeformable portion relative to the second device housing portion betweena closed position and an obtuse angle; one or more sensors operable todetermine whether the first device housing portion and the second devicehousing portion define the obtuse angle; a flexible display coupled tothe first device housing portion and the second device housing portionand spanning the deformable portion; and one or more processors operablewith the one or more sensors and the flexible display, the one or moreprocessors enabling a dual content presentation mode of operationallowing presentation of first content on a first display portion of theflexible display situated to one side of the deformable portion andsecond content on a second display portion of the flexible displaysituated to another side of the deformable portion when the one or moresensors detect that the first device housing portion and the seconddevice housing portion define the obtuse angle.
 16. The electronicdevice of claim 15, further comprising one or more other sensorsoperable with the one or more processors to detect a number of personswithin an environment of the electronic device, the one or moreprocessors further enabling a dual user input control mode of operationallowing user input received at the first display portion and the seconddisplay portion, respectively, to independently control the firstdisplay portion and the second display portion when the one or moreother sensors detect a plurality of persons within the environment. 17.The electronic device of claim 16, the one or more processorscontrolling presentation of first audio content associated with thefirst content and second audio content associated with the secondcontent by acoustically delivering the first audio content to anenvironment and electronically delivering the second audio content to acompanion electronic device.
 18. The electronic device of claim 17, theone or more processors controlling the presentation of the first audiocontent and the second audio content as a function of which person ofthe plurality of persons is identified by the one or more other sensorsas an authorized user of the electronic device.
 19. The electronicdevice of claim 15, the first device housing portion comprising a firstdevice housing, the second device housing portion comprising a seconddevice housing, and the deformable portion defined by a hinge coupledbetween the first device housing and the second device housing.
 20. Theelectronic device of claim 19, the first device housing pivotable aboutthe hinge between a closed position where the first display portion andthe second display portion abut and at least the obtuse angle.